Context-Aware Location Services via Server-Side Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based services face inefficiencies due to the need for computing power on mobile devices and reliance on cellular network triangulation, which requires known base station coordinates not accessible to end-users, leading to increased network traffic and logistical challenges in assigning context information to data entities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically generate and associate context information, such as cellular identifiers, with data entities by determining geographic coordinates and using cellular identifiers to identify entities within a specific geographic area, allowing for context-aware services without requiring pinpoint accuracy or direct GPS access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation is performed on the mobile device, then location determination capability is improved, but device computing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary to perform triangulation calculations. The mobile device only needs to provide signal strength measurements and cellular identifier data, while the computationally intensive triangulation process is offloaded to the server that has access to base station coordinate databases. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining location determination capability while eliminating the need for high device computing power.
2Measurement precision
If triangulation service is provided in cellular network, then location determination capability is improved, but cellular network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing base station coordinate data and triangulation algorithms on the server. When a location request is made, the server already has all necessary data locally available, eliminating the need to transmit large amounts of coordinate information and calculation data over the cellular network. Only minimal measurement data from the device needs to be transmitted, significantly reducing network traffic while maintaining location determination capability.
3Measurement precision
If base station coordinates are made accessible, then triangulation accuracy is improved, but data security and operator control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that manages base station coordinate data. The coordinates remain stored and controlled by the operator on the server, but the server provides controlled access to this data only when needed for triangulation calculations. This allows triangulation accuracy to be improved by having accessible coordinates while maintaining data security and operator control through the server's authorized access management.
4Measurement precision
If GPS receiver is attached to mobile device, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/GPS-based location determination system with a signal-processing-based triangulation system. Instead of requiring a GPS receiver hardware component, the solution uses existing cellular network infrastructure (base stations and signal strength measurements) to determine location. The server performs the triangulation calculations using signal propagation data, substituting the need for GPS hardware with a software-based alternative that uses available cellular network resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes determining geographic coordinates of a plurality of entities, the plurality of entities including a first set of entities that have each been associated with a respective context information item and a second set of entities that have each not been associated with a respective context information item. The geographic coordinates of the first set of entities are used to identify geographic coordinates located within a first geographic area associated with a first context information item. The geographic coordinates of the second set of the entities are used to identify a first entity of the second set of entities that is located within the first graphic area associated with the first context information item. The first entity is associated with the first context information item.